The People’s Progressive Party/Civic on Saturday said it had noted the “disparaging and insensitive” remarks made by opposition politicians and others after former President Bharrat Jagdeo took ill recently.
Jagdeo was flown to Florida, USA on a chartered jet two Fridays ago after reportedly suffering from a virulent strain of dengue fever.
He was reportedly advised by a doctor here to seek further evaluation and treatment in the US. He is said to be out of hospital and recovering.
The PPP strongly condemned what it said was the “inhumane and sinister positions taken by these opposition spokespersons who are continuing their campaign to spew hate and misinformation against the former president”.
The ruling party said it believes that any attempt to play down the seriousness of the health situation of the former president while questioning the need for him to travel abroad, “must also be seen as an attack on Jagdeo’s fundamental rights as enshrined in the constitution and right to access timely health care. “
Local interest in Jagdeo’s condition and treatment also pertains to whether the Treasury will be financing his stay overseas. The highly controversial former president’s benefits bill caters for the medical expenses of Jagdeo to be covered.
Critics have however said that if treatment is available here in the public health system that the government frequently lauds then the taxpayer should not have to fund overseas treatment.
The ruling party said on Saturday that it has never questioned the urgency or necessity of any opposition politician or public official to travel abroad on the instruction of their medical advisors or caregivers.
The party reminded the opposition that several of its members including Former Opposition Leader Robert Corbin and the late Sheila Holder benefitted from help from the State to seek medical attention abroad when it became necessary.
It said that most recently when former Deputy Speaker Deborah Backer was ill and flown abroad for medical attention, the party offered nothing but best wishes and hopes of a speedy recovery.
“The party further condemns the insensitivity and disrespect shown to Jagdeo. While it is expected that there will be political attacks, the party was alarmed by the extension of these assaults to the point where unbelievable misinformation was being peddled by the opposition provocateurs and their activists about the costs for his travel abroad and his medical entitlements.
“Despite the shenanigans of the opposition and its acts of desperation, which are aimed at bad-mouthing Jagdeo, his track record and zeal remain intact and stronger than ever”, the party said.
It wished Jagdeo a speedy and full recovery.
